Autism-what are the signs?

Question

I remember reading somewhere that a classic sign of autism is that children have no interest in other children their age or of any other age and that manifests itself in the first two years. My 16 month old son is behaving like this - he is one of triplets and while his identical brother and sister are very close he shows no interest in them or his 5 month old sister.

He also seems to despise being hugged in anyway - even when he was much younger and has now begun to hit his siblings if they try to hug him.

When he is walking he also jeeps primarily to the walls-i read that this could be a sign because by walking around the walls he avoids touching anything.

If anyone has an autistic child and recognises these symptoms and could offer any help or can just offer nay help in anyway it would be so appreciated thanks

Answer 1

I think you are right to be concerned.  I work with children with autism and developmental delay.  Your son sounds like he may be having some sensory issues (tolerating touch and body awareness in space).  This does not mean he has autism, but from your description I would take my concerns to my peditrician and ask for a evaluation with your local early intervention services.

Answer 2

My nephew is autistic i remember when he was young that he had a fascination for lights also he would rock backwards and forwards he was also slow to start talking sorry i can not remember anything more.

Answer 3

Kids generally do not play with other kids at that age. It is not until they are about 3 that they show an interest in other children.

I think you are over-reacting. Children (including twins or triplets) are individuals so you should try not to compare them to eachother. I sincerely think you are wrong but I think you should take you son to your gp to check it out and hopefully put your mind at ease.

Answer 4

Hi, I don't really have any personal experience but it does sound like he may have some sort of developmental issues,  here's a link to a wikipedia entry on it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism

and one explaining what it is and how to recognise it:

http://www.mugsy.org/pmh.htm

Sorry I can't be any more help, I'd get your doctors advice ASAP

Answer 5

ELIZABETH D ...what utter rubbish ...No child at 16months could or would be looked at for autism , and being a triplet he would be behind also .. Kylie and Thomas's mum knows what she is talking about ....Your being way to dramatic and a health visitor would also say this !

Answer 6

Although hugging is a sign the other one isn't really a sign, Thomas pictured with his twin left was diagnosed with severe autism at aged 3, signs for us

No eye contact even as a young baby

Hated playing with anyone liked being alone

No speech at all

Plays with parts of a toy not the toy its self

Also we noticed he didn't feel pain as much with teething or if hurt,

At 16 months its impossible to say autism or not as he is still developing and if he was early being a triplet would also put him a little behind, i would talk to your doctor, but i would wait until he gets to aged two and see how he goes from there

Answer 7

we have just begun the journey with our son, he is 2 yrs 8 mths, there is a lady on here who has twins Kylie and Thomas who will be a great help, she is to me, if you google Autism red flags it will bring up the typical signs to look for, however as I am starting to find out typical and autism don't seem to go together, we are awaiting an assessment for our son who seems to be getting worse every day, our son walks on tiptoes quite often which is another sign and is obsessed wtih only 1 or 2 toys, he also displays very repetitive behaviour when playing, take him to GP and express your concerns, the sooner you diagnose autism the better it is and more can be done to help. Best wishes to you.

Answer 8

Another mum who wants to see something that isn't there .. oh well ...

Answer 9

dunno

Answer 10

Hi I have a son age 6 with servre classic autism. I am so sorry but everything you have described to me there sounds very much like Autism in one degree or another.Other things you can look for is if he looks at people when they talk to him. Does he avoid eye contact? he may also be becoming obssesed with routine and have reptative behaviours like stacking bricks. lining up things.flaping hands or rocking. Has he begun to talk or started to but now appears to be stopping speaking. please note though not all autisc children wont speak some do and some parrot style talk. does he understand what toys are does he show an intrest in them and if so is it age approiate ie does he know the function of his toys. my contact settings are set to private but if you like I can unchange it and give you my email adreess?

I strongly reccomened getting in touch with your health visitor and doctor. i really hope I am wrong and that everything works out for you.

Answer 11

You're right to worry, whether or not he is autistic this isn't how you want your child to respond to you. If we tell you more signs, and your son has them, then it will simply worry you more, with out getting anywhere. Please just see a peadeatrician (sp.) who will get you a diagnosis and help him to over come the negative side of Autism.

Good luck, I hope you find the answers and I hope your son grows up to be a happy person, regardless of personal set backs. I saw a boy in my year at school blossom, he was autistic and now he is the right amount of confident, getting more and more comfortable with contact and closeness, and he is also appreciating his own (superb) academic achievement alot more. :)

(And triplets-wow!! Well done :])

Answer 12

If those are the only signs you've seen, he's likely okay.  How are his communication skills.  Does he babble and say at least a couple of words?

Call your school district and ask for the early childhood or parents as teachers program.  They will evaluate him for  free.  Also, you can contact  First Steps.  They do free therapies and evaluations in your home.

Good Luck